Fat Lady in RI

[amarshall]

5 giants taken by herring boats nets today in Westerly RI. Just got off the phone with a guy unloading a boat right near them. They had to dump the fish. Guys heading back out with R&R

Is there even any quota left? Can they fish?

edit: second confirmation

[lowlands]

Yes, General Cat is still open. Rec's can take one fish to <73".

NMFS Maintains General Category BFT Limit for January

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) maintains the Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) General category daily retention limit to two large medium or giant BFT per vessel per day/trip effective January 1 through March 31, 2012, or until the January subquota is harvested. NMFS takes this action after consideration of the regulatory determination criteria at § 635.27(a)(8) regarding inseason adjustments. The General category daily retention limit applies to vessels permitted in the Atlantic tunas General category and the Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Charter/Headboat category while fishing commercially. This limit is effective for all areas except for the Gulf of Mexico, which is designated spawning grounds for BFT and where NMFS does not allow targeted BFT fishing. Regardless of the duration of a fishing trip, the daily retention limit applies upon landing. For example, whether a vessel fishing under the General category limit takes a two-day trip or makes two trips in one day, the daily limit of two fish may not be exceeded upon landing. NMFS reminds BFT anglers that the default Angling category retention limit of one school, large school, or small medium BFT (measuring 27 to less than 73 inches) will apply effective January 1, 2012, and remain in effect, unless and until changed. The Angling category daily retention limit applies to vessels permitted in the HMS Angling category and the HMS Charter/Headboat category while fishing recreationally.

[CaptainAlex]

Reports are true, heard several first-hand accounts from RI ... lots of 40-60lbers off Beavertail and 300lb+ fish in there too (along with all of the 200'+ midwater trawlers pounding RI State waters - sposed to be gazillion herring)
... and a gale coming, of course

[Heli Sports]

That's pretty fucking cool! January New England Bluefins

[tunatamer73]

What's the water temp?? Any first hand info.. not sat.

[garonmailman]

i love global warming

[striperfvr]

Pretty cool stuff. I'd like to hang one in January. But goes to show you...

Where there is bait there are predators.

Why is there a perceived notion of inshore striped bass decline...bait.

Why are cod stocks perceived to be down.....dogfish....why are dogfish eating juvenile cod.....no bait.

Why is there an incredible giant bite in PEI....bait

Why is there a decent cape cod bay giant bite in October...bait

Get rid of the mid-water trawlers, industrial fishing methods, and save bait and the predators will come.

[amarshall]

Great read from JP Lee

http://www.thedentedbucket.com/?p=914

[idigitu88]

5 giants taken by herring boats nets today in Westerly RI. Just got off the phone with a guy unloading a boat right near them. They had to dump the fish. Guys heading back out with R&R

Is there even any quota left? Can they fish?

edit: second confirmation

is that the boat from hingham landscaper?

[On The Edge]

What's the water temp?? Any first hand info.. not sat.

Temps are right around 50 +-